TOWN OF IPSWICH

Department of Public Safety

15 Elm Street
IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS 01938

Chief Paul A. Nikas

Director of Public Safety

(O) 978-356-4343
(F) 978-356-6625

To: Chairman Nishan Mootafian, Board of Selectmen

From: Chief Paul A. Nikas, Harbormaster
Date: February 29th, 2016
Re: Town Wharf repairs & improvements Public Access Board plan
Chairman Mootafian and Members of the Board,
Over the past few years, and as funds have allowed, the Harbor Department partnered with the DPW to
repair the Town Wharfs walls as much as possible and make them safe. But the Wharf needs
substantially bigger repairs and improvements that require State funding through the State Department
of Fish and Game Fishing and Boating, Public Access Board. These substantial repairs and improvements
were held up until recent Federal Legislation was passed concerning the Federal Control of Waters at
the Town Wharf.
In the spring of 2014, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2014. Within the body of
this 1,567 page document is a paragraph specific to the Ipswich River and Town Wharf, under the title:
Division D Energy & Water Development & Related Agencies, General Provisions Corps of
Engineers - SEC. 107: which reads That portion of the project for navigation, Ipswich River,
Massachusetts adopted by the Rivers and Harbor Act of August 5, 1886 consisting of a 4-foot channel
located at the entrance to the harbor at Ipswich Harbor, lying northwesterly of a line commencing at:
N3074938.09, E837154.87, thence running easterly about 60 feet to a point with coordinates N3074972.62,
E837203.93, is no longer authorized as a Federal project after the date of enactment of this Act.
As a result of this 2014 Act, the Federal Fairway in the Ipswich River now begins at Ring Bolt Rock,
giving the Town and the State the ability to spend funds and make repairs and improvements to the
Wharf structure at our discretion.
In late 2014, the Waterways Advisory Committee held a special meeting at the Town Wharf in order to
assess and discuss the needs of the Town Wharf with the Assistant Director of the State Department of
Fish and Game Fishing and Boating, Public Access Board representative, Doug Cameron. Mr. Cameron
was shown the deteriorating condition of the Wharfs wall, which could be viewed from the docks, and
the need for extensive repairs in the future. The condition of the top of the wall and what might be
done to make it safer for pedestrians was also discussed. Mr. Cameron said the installation of hand rails
had been discussed previously, before the Federal control issues came into play. He agreed that hand

rails were desirable for safety and would no doubt be mandated by the Towns Building Inspector upon
seeking a permit. Finally, during a review of the boat ramp area, Mr. Cameron agreed that the angle
was poor but that it may be too extensive of a project for the State to consider at this time.
After the site meeting, Mr. Cameron explained the Public Access Board would arrange for an engineer
to assess and do a survey of the Wharf and then design preliminary plans for repairs and improvements.
The attached draft plans are a result of this work. These plans have been forwarded to the DPW,
Utilities and Planning for their review and comments.
At this time, Mr. Cameron is seeking input and comments from the public and the Board of Selectmen
on the Wharfs draft plan. After this comment period, the Public Access Board will determine a course
of action and pursue the required permits for making improvements and repairing the Wharf. Mr.
Cameron noted that obtaining permits for maintenance of existing structures was easier than an
environmental type work permit. Dredging or removal of any vegetation is much more difficult to
obtain permits and he strongly suggested staying away from requesting dredging at this point and to
concentrate on the Wharfs structural decay issues.
With regard to the funding of the project in question, Mr. Cameron stated that all costs would be paid
for by the State, with the possible exception of a specific improvement requested by the Town, not
anticipated by the Public Access Board.
Thank You for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,

Chief Paul A. Nikas

Harbormaster

PROPOSED PUBLIC ACCESS FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

IPSWICH RIVER BOAT RAMP
IPSWICH, MA

DRAWING INDEX:
SHEET 1
SHEET 2
SHEET 3
SHEET 4

COVER SHEET AND NOTES

EXISTING SITE PLAN
PROPOSED WORK PLAN
PROPOSED SECTIONS AND DETAILS

LOCUS MAP

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